Damn Yankees Review
The Daily Breeze

"Damn Yankees" hits it out in Torrance by Elizabeth Spear

On the heels of an entertaining "Little Shop of Horrors" last March, the Aerospace Employees' Association Musical Comedy Club steps up to the plate and delivers nicely with the Broadway musical "Damn Yankees", on stage one more weekend in the 500-seat James R. Armstrong Theatre in Torrance.

Based on the book The Year the Yankees Lost the Pennant. "Yankees" the musical is a refreshing breath of Americana written in the 1950s that offers audiences a little bit of everything: romance, love, commitment, dreams, fantasies and America's favorite pastime, baseball.

As a musical, "Yankees" succeeds, delivering moving and infectious songs (most notably "Heart" and "A Man Doesn't Know"). "Yankees" dishes up lots of fun with its various ensemble numbers, and part of the appeal here is that the children and adults are not of the fluid, polished variety that frequently can translate to stiff, picture-performances, the kind that evoke a "them and us" feeling. This production scores high marks because of its unique human element, the kind that does it best while enjoying the opportunity.

And don't be fooled, this cast does shine, attaining and surpassing the levels accomplished by year-round community theater groups. Performances of note include some minor roles played by Rick Hardgrove, who almost always manages to be wacky to some degree when he is in a crowd scene and whose baseball pitcher is absolutely unique; Susan Tabak and Myrna Robinson as Sister and Doris respectively; and Bud Krause as Welch.

Memorable also are any of the numerous dance and/or crowd scenes in which adults and children project energy, enthusiasm, and unabashed fun.

In meatier roles, Jeannie Quinn, Ann Wong-Jiru, Kerry Riccio, Scott Clifford, John Portola, Ed Fletcher and Glen Brewer offer on-target performances that contribute to the production's appeal.

All of the baseball player cast adds endearing moments, most notably in the locker room and at the Golden West Nightclub.

The employee group deserves credit for its wise selection, which marks the club's 10th anniversary and is the second time the group has staged "Yankees."

Director Chuck Gustafson, who also performs in the musical, has fashioned a worthwhile venture here, with a good mix of theatrically inclined people, some with more background than others. And Erin Barette does a nice job choreographing this mostly nonprofessional cast.

Mark Aguero's musical direction is equally smooth, guiding live musicians through the musical's paces with finesse.

The group again has stage a charming and amusing enough musical, and deserves praise and credit for upping the ante by delivering "Damn Yankees" in the cavernous Armstrong Theatre, which practically demands professionalism. This "big house" is the kind intended to inspire. To be a success in this environment, one has to see the big picture while paying attention to the minutiae.

Fortunately, the group pays attention to the details, featuring a great bleacher set design, effective lighting (the trees in one scene are quite clever), cute costumes and decent sound and makeup. But remember: This is community theater presented by aerospace folks who engage in this sort of theatrical venture just twice a year.

Then let yourself enjoy the humanity found in the tale of a baseball fan's chance to transform himself into a young baseball star who just might lead his team into the playoffs, beating the perennial top-dog Yankees.

No matter which side of the sporting equation one is on, "Damn Yankees" is a winner.